Sarnath
Sarnath was an ancient city located in what is now the heart of the Great Desert (Dhor'kar). Once the capital of a vast empire, Sarnath's ruins now stand as a haunting reminder of the impermanence of civilization and the harsh realities of environmental change.
Contents
Demographics
While precise demographic information about Sarnath at its height is difficult to ascertain due to the passage of time and lack of preserved records, scholars have pieced together a general picture based on archaeological findings, oral histories, and comparisons with other ancient civilizations.
Population
Estimates of Sarnath's population at its peak vary widely, with some scholars suggesting figures as high as 500,000 inhabitants. However, more conservative estimates place the population between 100,000 and 250,000. This would have made Sarnath one of the largest urban centers of its time in the region.Social Structure
Sarnath's society was highly stratified, with a rigid class system that restricted social mobility and travel:- Nobility - At the top of the social hierarchy were the noble families, who held positions of power and owned significant portions of land and resources.
- Priesthood - The priestly class held considerable influence, with various cults and religious orders playing crucial roles in maintaining social order and performing essential rituals. The Water Priests, or Water Wardens, were particularly significant, likely evolving into the enigmatic Shek people after Sarnath's fall.
- Merchants and Artisans - A middle class of skilled craftsmen, traders, and administrators formed the backbone of Sarnath's economy.
- Commoners/Serfs - The majority of the population belonged to a lower class with limited rights and mobility. These individuals were often tied to specific areas or occupations.
- Slaves - While the existence of slavery in Sarnath is debated among scholars, some evidence suggests a class of unfree laborers at the bottom of the social hierarchy, especially as Namorian's question the existence of a civilization without such a group of people.
Government
Sarnath was governed by a complex bureaucracy headed by a monarch or high priest-king. The exact nature of this leadership and how it changed over time remains a subject of scholarly debate.
Industry & Trade
Sarnath's economy was primarily based on agriculture, utilizing sophisticated irrigation systems to cultivate the surrounding lands. The city was also a center of trade, craftsmanship, and learning, with evidence of advanced metallurgy and architectural techniques.
Fishing and Aquaculture
The discovery of large-scale aquatic structures in the Sarnathi Basin indicates that fishing and aquaculture were major industries in ancient Sarnath. Preserved fish bones and specialized tools found in the basin's sediment layers corroborate this theory. The apparent abundance of aquatic resources so far inland has puzzled the first Namorian explorers and hinted at the dramatic environmental changes that have occurred in the region.River Trade
Archaeological evidence points to the existence of now-vanished rivers flowing into and out of the Sarnathi Basin. These waterways likely served as vital trade routes, connecting Sarnath to distant regions and facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas. Remnants of docks, warehouses, and sunken vessels along the dried riverbeds support this hypothesis.Metallurgy and Crafts
Examinations of outlying settlements have revealed workshops and forges, suggesting a sophisticated metallurgical industry. Sarnathi artifacts, particularly those made of bronze and gold, exhibit exceptional craftsmanship and have been found in far-flung locations, indicating extensive trade networks.History
Early History
The exact founding date of Sarnath is unknown, but archaeological evidence and surviving records suggest it predates the Great Darkness of approximately 1500 BRE. Some scholars speculate its origins may stretch back several millennia earlier.Post-Darkness Golden Age
In the aftermath of the Great Darkness, Sarnath experienced a remarkable resurgence. This period, lasting several decades, saw significant advancements in architecture, agriculture, and water management. The city's population swelled, and its influence expanded across the region.Decline and Fall
Beginning around 1400 BRE, Sarnath entered a prolonged period of decline known as the Creeping Desolation (Zhar'Amal). Over the course of more than a century, the once-lush surroundings gradually transformed into an arid wasteland. This environmental shift led to resource scarcity, social unrest, and eventually, the complete collapse of Sarnathi civilization. The final days of Sarnath, often referred to as the Fall of Sarnath, were marked by extreme violence, desperation, and alleged acts of cannibalism. The exact date of Sarnath's abandonment is debated, but most scholars place it between 1250-1200 BRE.Archaeological Significance
The ruins of Sarnath remain a subject of great academic interest and controversy. The Thenn Expedition of 298-303 RE provided valuable insights into the city's layout and final days, though the tragic fate of the expedition has cast a shadow over further research attempts. Strict cultural taboos among the Kep'Dhori against entering the ruins have limited excavation efforts. However, surveys from a distance have revealed the outlines of massive structures, suggesting Sarnath was a city of truly impressive scale.Points of interest
While the ruins of Sarnath lie far beyond the reach of casual observation, various points of interest have been documented through a combination of Kep'Dhori oral traditions and the controversial journals of the Thenn Expedition (298-303 RE). It should be noted that the accuracy of these descriptions cannot be fully verified:
- The Great Cistern - Said to be a vast underground chamber that once served as Sarnath's primary water reservoir. Kep'Dhori legends speak of it as the site of a desperate last stand during the city's final days.
- The Monolith of Eternal Flame - A towering obelisk rumored to have stood at the city's center. Some accounts claim it continuously emitted a ghostly blue flame, even long after the city's abandonment.
- The Hanging Gardens of Sarnath - Once a marvel of engineering and botany, these tiered gardens allegedly stretched high into the sky. Now, they are said to be nothing more than crumbling terraces buried beneath the sand.
- The Celestial Observatory - The remains of a grand structure dedicated to astronomical studies. Legends suggest its metallic domes still gleam in the moonlight on rare, clear nights.
- The Labyrinth of Woe - A complex network of underground tunnels beneath the city. Kep'Dhori shamans warn that the echoes of Sarnath's final moments can still be heard within its winding passages.
Geography
Sarnath was situated in the heart of what was once a fertile basin, now known as the Waha'Sarnathi (Oasis of Sarnath) or Azm'bahr (Bone Lake). The city was built around a large, life-giving lake that has since dried up completely.
Climate
During its prime, Sarnath enjoyed a tropical savannah climate with regular rainfall with seasons bounties and inundations of the nearby Sarnathi Basin and rivers. The Creeping Desolation dramatically altered the region's climate, transforming it into the arid desert environment seen today.
RUINED SETTLEMENT
~1,400 BRE
Type
City
Population
100,000 - 500,000 (estimated)
Inhabitant Demonym
Sarnathi
Location under
Related Traditions
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